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Former WWE Star Nikki Bella’s New Reality TV Show Set to Debut Soon

Robert Lentini
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Former WWE Superstar Nikki Bella has a new series set to be released soon. Nikki captured the Divas Championship twice in her career and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020. She currently serves as an ambassador for the company.

The trailer for Nikki’s new limited series on the E! Network titled “Nikki Bella Says I Do” has been released. Nikki and Brie Bella’s “Total Bellas” reality series had a successful run from 2016 – 2021 on the E! Network. The “Total Divas” reality series ran form 2013-2019 on the network as well.

Nikki recently married Russian professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev. The four-part series will begin on E! on January 13, 2023 and you can check out the trailer below.

The Bella Twins on the Demise of Total Divas

Nikki and Brie Bella recently spoke to TV Insider and SEScoops’ correspondent Scott Fishman about Total Divas ending last year. Nikki stated that the show had a positive influence on girls showing up to WWE events.

“It doesn’t get enough credit. I believe it was also a reason why we had more girls showing up. Here were these reality fans that believed in us and our stories inside and outside the ring. They wanted to come to watch it live and grew into fans. It changed the game so much for us. It made people believe in women’s wrestling.”

She added that the show would have to have the right people behind it if it were ever to return. Nikki claimed they walked away from the show because of the drama surrounding it.

“It has to be the right people behind it. We started to go in a direction where it became more to do with bad girls’ club drama. It’s why we walked away.”

Watch: Former WWE Superstar Batista Vows to Kill in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3’ Trailer

Robert Lentini
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The trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 dropped today on YouTube and features former WWE Superstar Batista.

Batista (Dave Bautista) plays Drax the Destroyer in the films, and he first appeared in the original Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014. He also recently was a co-star in “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” on Netflix with Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, and Kate Hudson.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is set to release in theaters on May 5th next year and is directed by James Gunn. In the trailer, Batista’s character Drax launches a basketball at the face of a young creature and vowed to kill anyone that gets in their way before he is reminded by Star-Lord that he will not be killing anyone.

Earlier this year, Batista took to Instagram and posted about the production of the film wrapping up and confirmed that he is done playing Drax after Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.

Haven’t found the words yet. It ended so suddenly and I was on to my next film before I could process it all. End of a journey that changed my life. #guardiansofthegalaxy #vol3 #GoodbyeDrax #DreamChaser #DreamMachine

Batista’s Final Match in WWE

Batista’s wrestling career came to an end a few years ago at WrestleMania 35. The Animal battled his former Evolution teammate Triple H in a No Holds Barred match. Their rivalry started when Batista attacked Ric Flair ahead of his 70th birthday celebration.

Triple H put his career on the line in the match and emerged victorious. He planted Batista with a Powerbomb on the steel steps, and struck The Animal with a sledgehammer in the match. In the end, it took two Pedigrees for The Game to pick up the victory. Batista announced his retirement from professional wrestling shortly after the match.

WWE Legend on The House of Black Returning to AEW: “This is Like the First Season All Over Again”

Robert Lentini
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Malakai Black, Brody King, Buddy Matthews, and Julia Hart, aka the House of Black, recently returned to AEW television after an extended absence from the promotion.

The House of Black was rumored to be released and on their way back to WWE at one point, but at the end of the day, they came back to All Elite Wrestling on the November 23rd edition of Dynamite.

Speaking on episode 459 of the Jim Cornette Experience, the WWE legend reviewed House of Black’s return on last week’s Dynamite. The group showed up following Orange Cassidy and Jake Hager’s match.

Then they had a blackout, and then spooky music came on, and then to a big pop from this crowd, on the stage was Stevie Nicks, I’m sorry Julia Hart.

She looks just like Stevie Nicks in the day and that is never a bad thing. When the lights come on, the House of Black is in the ring behind the pudding gang (Best Friends and Orange Cassidy).

I mean there’s Pockets (All-Atlantic Champion Orange Cassidy) there’s Muffin Top Taylor, there’s Trent, whoever else is in that crowd.

And they beat up, the House of Black did, all of the pudding gang while QT Marshall’s The Factory was in the ring too, and they stood there and applauded it. So then the House of Black beat up The Factory too.

Cornette pointed out that the AEW fans were chanting “welcome back!” at these “satanic heels” after they beat everyone down.

And the people cheered and chanted welcome back at these satanic heels. So you had a match with a guy facing Jake Hager from the Jericho Appreciation Society.

And the guy Pockets, and his crew won the match, and then stayed in the ring so that the House of Black could come and beat them up. The Factory came down so they could get beat up too.

Through all of this heat-getting stuff, the people chanted “welcome back!” to the heels that worship satan. And then Malakai Black spoke and it all went to bleh.

Then they went to break. This is like the first season all over again. This is like they are trying to get the Dork Order (Dark Order) over again.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit The Jim Cornette Experience with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

“I’ve Debunked It” – Malakai Black Denies Rumor That He’s Leaving AEW

Former WWE Writer Praises MJF After Getting to Know Him: “It’s Like Bruce Lee Out There”

Robert Lentini
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Freddie Prinze Jr. recently appeared on the Insight podcast with Chris Van Vliet and said he has a friendship with AEW World Champion MJF.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman has stated on numerous occasions that he will be a free agent in 2024 and is expecting the biggest contract in wrestling history. Prinze is reportedly starting his own promotion and recently made an offer to a big name in WWE.

Last night on AEW Dynamite, MJF introduced a new title called “BBB” (Big Burberry Belt) and brutally attacked William Regal. This was apparently a way to write William Regal out of AEW as he’s expected to return to WWE.

William Regal Expected Back in WWE Soon

Speaking on the Insight podcast, Freddie praised MJF and said he meets with him every time the AEW World Champion visits Los Angeles.

I’ve gotten to know Maxwell over the last two years. Every time he comes to L.A., we make it a point to go to dinner. And I try to take him to a different sushi spot every time.

I’m not the most experienced and educated wrestling cat in the world, but I did work for the WWE and I did ask a million questions to the Pat Pattersons of the world, to the Freebirds of the world, to the Arn Andersons, the Dean Malenkos – all these old school people, and everything they taught me this dude has in spades.

Freddie added that it cool MJF gets to see people give him his flowers while he’s such a young performer.

It’s like Bruce Lee out there, man. It’s crazy, I know – I’m speaking about him like he’s a poet or Picasso, but that’s what he is … And the good thing is, he’s been appreciated within his lifetime, instead of long after he’s gone.

H/T: Wrestling Inc

3 Reasons MJF is Already a Generational Talent

Spoiler on WWE Plans for Ronda Rousey at Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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Ronda Rousey is in the middle of another reign as the WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion. 

Rousey made her most recent title defense against Shotzi at Survivor Series, where she was a heavy favorite to win the match, and that’s exactly what happened. The company is looking ahead to its next premium live event, Royal Rumble, next month. 

When Vince McMahon decided to call up Raquel Rodriguez from NXT to the main roster, the idea was that she would become one of the top stars in the company as the former CEO and Chairman saw big things in her. She was also booked strongly in NXT under Triple H, and “The Game” has continued to be a supporter of hers on the main roster. 

Royal Rumble Plans

Ronda Rousey
(WWE)

Rodriguez is set for her biggest match to date at the Royal Rumble as WrestleNews.co reports the plan is for her to challenge Rousey for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Rodriguez has been selling her left arm after being attacked by Rousey as last week on SmackDown, Rousey forced Rodriguez to tap out to the armbar submission. It’s unclear what WWE has planned for Rodriguez after this show.

Still, Rousey is scheduled to go into WrestleMania as the champion, indicating she will retain the title at the Royal Rumble.

WWE NXT Star Fires Shot at Kenny Omega

Andrew Ravens
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WWE NXT star Edris Enofe threw shade at AEW star Kenny Omega on Twitter while celebrating Mandy Rose’s NXT Women’s Championship reign.

Rose has been on an incredible run as she’s held the title for over 400 days and has been pushed as one of the top stars of the NXT brand. Omega, one of AEW’s top stars, has won championships all over the world utilizing his signature ‘V-Trigger’ knee strike.

In a post on Twitter, Enofe argued that Omega couldn’t perform the move as well as Rose can. He shared a GIF of Rose dropping Katana Chance on the November 30 edition of NXT. 

The Shot

Edris Enofe

Enofe captioned the post: “Congrats to @WWE_MandyRose on 400 days as champ! Reminder that she hits this move better than Kenny, and I’m dead serious.”

This isn’t the first time that Enofe has taken shots at an AEW star, as he and Malik Blade notably shared a video in September poking fun at CM Punk’s post-All Out media scrum rant about Colt Cabana, Hangman Page, and The Young Bucks. 

At last month’s Full Gear pay-per-view, Omega and the Young Bucks returned to the ring following their suspensions after the All Out backstage fight.

Enofe’s most recent televised match saw him team up with Blade and Odyssey Jones during the November 8 NXT Level Up taping.

CM Punk Seemingly Confirms Report About his Dog Being Hurt in AEW All Out Brawl

Andrew Ravens
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CM Punk has greatly reduced how much he posts on social media since the incident at AEW All Out, where he ripped Hangman Page, The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and Colt Cabana at the post-event press conference and then got into a brawl with The Elite. 

Wrestling Inc previously reported that members of Punk’s camp alleged that Larry’s teeth were knocked loose accidentally when the door to the wrestler’s locker room was kicked open. The report stated the teeth had to be pulled days later by a vet. 

The Photo

Punk recently shared a photograph of his dog, Larry, to his Instagram story that shows Larry missing several teeth, seemingly confirming the report. 

https://twitter.com/eesy_o/status/1598119579271966720

This photo is only a few things he has shared as of late in addition to occasional promotion for his wife AJ Mendez’s Netflix movie “Blade of the 47 Ronin.” 

Punk had undergone surgery for a torn left triceps shortly after All Out during his AEW Championship match against Jon Moxley. The injury will likely keep him out of action for at least eight months. 

As previously reported, there have been talks between Punk and AEW about a contract buyout. However, there’s been a hang-up on the non-compete clause period.

Stephanie McMahon Discusses Potential WWE Stadium Show in Australia

Andrew Ravens
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Stephanie McMahon believes WWE needs to bring another stadium show to Australia. 

The co-CEO of WWE, alongside Nick Khan, discussed WWE’s broadcast deal with Foxtel in Australia while at the Wells Fargo TMT Summit. This is where she shared her belief about doing another premium live event in the country. 

The last time that WWE held a PLE in the country was in October 2018 with the Super Show-Down event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. 

McMahon’s Belief

Stephanie McMahon
(via WWE)

“You look at our new deal in Australia with Foxtel, where we need to bring a stadium event to Australia as well and how are we looking at that in terms of our international premium live events? How does that work in terms of our domestic strategy?… How are we gonna be able to maximize our opportunities there?”

McMahon also discussed WWE’s plans to launch Performance Centers in different locations around the world, which was an idea first introduced by Triple H several years ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic paused those plans.

McMahon said that international growth is their focus and wants to do something they call ‘global localization’ or ‘glocal’ where they create local Performance Centers with local talent. 

H/T POST Wrestling for the transcript

Details on WWE Plans for WrestleMania Week Special Events

Andrew Ravens
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WWE is continuing to look for ways to improve WrestleMania week for fans. 

The company has already announced three events at Crypto.com Arena as part of WrestleMania Week in Los Angeles. SmackDown and the Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony take place on Friday, March 31, NXT Stand & Deliver on Saturday, April 1, and Monday Night Raw on Monday, April 3.

WrestleMania 39 takes place over two nights on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, live from SoFi Stadium. 

More Events Coming? 

Wrestlemania 39
Graphic Credit: Business Wire

According to a new report by WrestleVotes, WWE wants to have additional shows throughout the week that are like The Undertaker’s 1deadMan show. 

“I’m told WWE is looking into having additional shows throughout WrestleMania weekend similar to that of The Undertaker’s 1deadMan show. Live, interactive shows w/ Steve Austin & Trish Stratus to name a few have been discussed.”

There have been several reports about what WWE hopes to book at its biggest event of the year in 2023, including bringing back three of the biggest names in the history of the wrestling business to wrestle again in three separate matches. 

Although he has denied speculation about him getting in better shape for another match, Steve Austin has reportedly been offered a match at this event against an unknown opponent after his successful return at WrestleMania 38 with a win over Kevin Owens. 

WWE is looking to bring John Cena in for a match at Mania, which would be his first bout at a premium live event since SummerSlam 2021, where he lost to Roman Reigns.

It’s been well documented that WWE is hoping to have The Rock back for a match against Reigns, as it’s one of the biggest matches they can book. It all depends on whether The Rock’s Hollywood schedule will let him be available.

MJF Antagonizes Conor McGregor With “Better Than You” Suit

Michael Reichlin
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They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but that’s probably not what MJF was going for with his latest bombastic suit.

Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite saw Maxwell Jacob Friedman’s first appearance as AEW World Champion. It was an eventful segment that saw the 26-year-old send William Regal to the hospital and the introduction of his custom “BBB” AEW World title belt.

Friedman marked the big occasion by donning a custom suit that features the text, “Better Than You” all over it. As seen below, MJF will stop at nothing to express his feelings of superiority.

MJF vs. Conor McGregor

MJF has been throwing shade at Conor McGregor for years now and his “Better Than You” suit may be his latest attempt to goad The Notorious into an in-person confrontation.

The UFC megastar made headlines in 2017 when he wore the infamous “F-U” suit during his press tour for his fight against boxing champion Floyd Mayweather. The custom three-piece “F-U” suit was designed by David August and cost around $6,500.

There are similarities between MJF and Conor McGregor, but don’t tell that to MJF. Back in December 2020, he called comparisons to McGregor “cute” and “laughable.”

MJF said he appreciates what McGregor did in the UFC, but McGregor couldn’t spar with him and would get “absolutely bent over, if you know what I mean” on the microphone.

More recently, they’ve been exchanging trash talk on social media. It started when MJF called UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett a “Dollar Store Conor McGregor.” McGregor responded by saying he doesn’t know who MJF is, which really got him going. MJF called McGregor a “roided-up leprechaun” and challenged him to show up to an AEW event.

Tony Khan and Triple H have both commented on the possibility of working with Conor McGregor, who has also teased interest in pro wrestling:

William Regal Expected Back in WWE Soon

Michael Reichlin
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All Elite Wrestling star William Regal is expected back in WWE very soon. Over the past several weeks, there’s been conflicting reports over Regal’s contractual status with AEW.

Regal was released by WWE back in January. The decision caught a lot of people off guard and was attributed to the company’s decision to go in a new direction with NXT 2.0. His Lordship made a surprise debut at AEW Revolution in March and quickly aligned with Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley. They later formed the Blackpool Combat Club, one of this year’s most dominant factions in pro wrestling.

Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite saw Regal’s first public appearance with the man he helped win the AEW World Championship, Maxwell Jacob Friedman. The alliance was short-lived, as MJF ended the segment by blindsiding Regal with an attack that sent him to the hospital.

Regal Likely Returning Home to WWE

A lot has changed since Regal joined AEW, most notably Vince McMahon’s retirement. Regal’s longtime friend Triple H is now running the show, a situation that paved the way for his inevitable return.

On Thursday, a pair of reports strongly indicate Regal will be back at Triple H’s side in the very near future. According PWInsider, “there have been rumblings” within WWE that Regal will be returning soon in a backstage role. Regal was a driving force behind the success of NXT and served as the brand’s on-screen authority figure for several years.

In addition to this report, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful tweeted that he’s heard Regal’s AEW contract expires this month (December).

Regal is considered one of the brightest minds in the business and is an invaluable asset to whichever company he decides to work.

Update on ‘Hangman’ Adam Page’s Health Status after AEW Dynamite Return (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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‘Hangman’ Adam Page is back on AEW programming, and the Cowboy is raring to go!

Page returned to Dynamite on last night’s episode, confronting Jon Moxley in the opening segment of the show.

The Cowboy’s appearance marked his first time on AEW TV since the October 18, episode of Dynamite, where he faced Moxley in an AEW World Championship match.

Cleared to Wrestle

During Page’s return, it was stated that the former AEW World Champion was in town to get medically tested.

The line certainly implies that Page has yet to be cleared, but as Dave Meltzer explained on Wrestling Observer Radio, that this is far from the case.

“He was (cleared to compete.) 100%.”

Dave Meltzer.

After an intense face-off with Moxley, the pair fought around the arena before wrestlers came in to break them up.

Page’s Injury

During the AEW World Championship match between the two, a lariat clothesline by Moxley left Page motionless in the ring.

The match was quickly called off, and it has been reported that there was an extra ten minutes of the match scheduled which didn’t take place.

It was later confirmed that the former World Champion had suffered a concussion during the match.

AEW’s medical team was widely praised for their immediate action, including by former WWE Superstar Chris Nowinski.

Nowinski was one of WWE’s promising Superstars in the early 2000s before a concussion derailed his career, and he has spent the years since doing research on CTE.

AEW Issues Statement on Hangman Page Injury & Provides Health Update

Have WWE Spoken to Booker T About a Return to the Ring?

Thomas Lowson
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Booker T is returning to the ring, but WWE is yet to give the two-time Hall of Famer a call.

This week, it was announced that Booker will return to wrestling for his Reality of Wrestling promotion on December 18.

The former World Champion will team with Mysterious Q to challenge Fly Def (Zack Mason & Warren Johnson) for the ROW Tag Team Championships

The match will be Booker’s first in five months after wrestling for Reality of Wrestling at the Summer of Champions VIII in July 2022.

Booker T and WWE

In addition to his work with Reality of Wrestling, Booker can regularly be found providing commentary for WWE NXT.

When Fightful Select asked, they were told that there have been no inquiries for Booker to wrestle by WWE, despite his return to the ring.

That doesn’t mean there haven’t been any, but the several times Fightful asked they have been told that they didn’t hear anything.

Speaking on his podcast earlier this year, Booker said he wouldn’t say no to a return match for WWE but it is not something he is actively pursuing.

NXT Commentator

Booker T joined the NXT commentary team in October of this year, as part of major shakeups to all three brands.

Booker is replacing Wade Barett, who has joined SmackDown while Pat McAfee is on hiatus with College Game Day.

It is unclear what will happen with the five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion once Barrett returns to NXT when McAfee comes back to SmackDown.

In addition to providing commentary for NXT, Booker T has called the action on both Raw and SmackDown.

Booker T Announces his in-Ring Return

WWE Superstars Present Hero Police Officer with Custom Championship

Thomas Lowson
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Three WWE Superstars made the trip to Hartford, Connecticut to present a police officer with a WWE Championship title for his bravery during a shootout.

In October, Officer Alec Iurato was injured in a shooting that killed two Bristol police officers, Lt. Dustin DeMonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy.

Officials close to the case said that Officer Iurato killed the suspect with a single shot.

WWE

In a Facebook status from the Bristol Connecticut Police Department, Iurato can be seen with a WWE Championship, complete with customer Bristol PD side plates.

The championship was presented by Liv Morgan, Sonya Deville, and Braun Strowman at the XL Center in Hartford, the host of the November 18, 2022, episode of WWE SmackDown.

Bristol PD said that WWE has been a support for the families of Lt. Demonte & Sgt. Hamzy, in addition to supporting Officer Iurato.

image

Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould called Iurato a true hero and said he maintained courage and composure and stopped the act of killing that October night.

Hero Champions

image 1
Police Officer Charlie Guenigault was presented with a WWE Championship by Triple H for his bravery during a terror attack in London in June 2017.

This isn’t the first time WWE has gone the extra mile to show their appreciation to someone for their acts of bravery.

In June 2017, off-duty police officer Charlie Guenigault was injured during a terror attack in London, England when he was trying to protect a British Transport Police officer.

The amateur rugby player and lifelong WWE fan was shocked later that month to be presented with a WWE Championship by none other than Triple H.

The Game said at the time “People say a lot of times that they watch WWE because these guys are like real-life superheroes. Well, Charlie is a real hero.”

Who Did WWE Originally have Planned for Damage CTRL Stable?

Thomas Lowson
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Dakota Kai made her shocking return to WWE at Summerslam 2022 as part of Damage CTRl, but plans for the group were originally much different.

Damage CTRL, consisting of Kai, IYO SKY, and Bayley, debuted at the July 30 event, in Bayley’s first appearance on WWE TV in over a year.

Since debuting, the group has captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships twice and Bayley has challenged for the Raw Women’s Championship.

Original Plans

Bayley had planned on a stable for years, but the Role Model’s plans were only realized earlier this year.

Appearing on the Getting Over podcast, Kai explained how the original line-up for the group had many different members.

“When she [Bayley first mentioned it to me a couple of years…it was myself, Candice LeRae and Tegan [Nox.] Those were the ones that were from the start. And obviously things that happened from then until now, everything changes.”

Dakota Kai.

Kai later explained how a more recent roster for Damage CTRL included herself, SKY, Alba Fyre, and Raquel Rodriguez.

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion said that this group would have been “epic” but she is equally pleased to team with Bayley and SKY.

What’s Next for Damage CTRL?

After the group’s debut, Bayley set her sights on Bianca Belair, but failed to dethrone the Raw Women’s Champion.

At Survivor Series: WarGames, Team Damage lost to Team Bianca, seemingly marking the end of the feud.

On this week’s Raw, IYO SKY and Dakota Kai brawled with Becky Lynch, starting the group’s newest feud.

Lynch returned to WWE after four months away as the fifth member of Team Bianca and scored the pinfall for her team inside WarGames.

WWE Star Seen Wearing a Neckbrace Backstage at Raw

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Watch: Sasha Banks Spotted at Boston Celtics NBA Game

Robert Lentini
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0

Sasha Banks was at the Boston Celtics versus the Miami Heat basketball game tonight. The Celtics defeated the Heat 134-121 to improve their record to an impressive 18-4.

  • 5 Ways Sasha Banks can be Successful Outside of WWE

The game happened to be played at the TD Garden in Boston, MA. WWE Survivor Series WarGames has held at the same venue a few days ago in The Boss’ hometown.

Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of WWE on May 16th. The two were the Women’s Tag Team Champions at the time but were booked to face off against each other in a Six-Pack Challenge to determine Ronda Rousey’s opponent at Hell in a Cell 2022.

Instead, Sasha and Naomi walked into former EVP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ office, left the titles on his desk, and left the arena. The two have not appeared in WWE since despite numerous rumors claiming their returns are inevitable.

Ahead of WWE Survivor Series, Bianca Belair was in search for a superstar to fill out her team in the Women’s WarGames match against Damage CTRL, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Cross. Many fans were hoping that the mystery superstar would be Sasha Banks because the show was in her hometown.

Ahead of WWE Crown Jewel, Sasha posted a video teasing fans that “something so f***ing crazy” was coming.

I’m very excited and I hope you guys come along for this journey, which I know a lot of you have been with me for so long. So thank you.
But I just want to let you know that there is going to be something so f***ing crazy coming!

Ric Flair Calls on Tony Khan to Create AEW Hall of Fame

Thomas Lowson
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All Elite Wrestling could soon introduce its own Hall of Fame, if AEW President Tony Khan takes the advice of Ric Flair.

Khan founded the promotion in 2019 as an alternative to WWE following the success of the independent supershow ALL IN in 2018.

The promotion is home to several veterans of wrestling, including Chris Jericho, Paul Wight, Mark Henry, and Billy Gunn.

AEW Hall of Fame

Ric Flair is no stranger to being inducted into a wrestling Hall of Fame, having been given the nod twice by WWE (2008 and 2012.)

Flair is also a member of the NWA Hall of Fame (2008,) the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame (1996,) and the International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame (2021,) among others.

Speaking on the latest episode of his To Be the Man podcast, Ric called on Khan to give AEW an equivalent accolade.

“I wish Tony would start a Hall of Fame. That would create a lot of interest.”

Ric Flair.

The Nature Boy explained that the accomplishment wouldn’t solely be for the wrestlers of AEW, but for names associated with the company who are established legends of the sport.

“Do it based on people who he thinks were good in the history of the business not just guys from AEW the last three years.”

Ric Flair.

Ric Flair and AEW

If Tony Khan takes Flair’s advice on board, it may be a long time before the 16-time World Champion adds another Hall of Fame ring to his collection.

After leaving WWE in 2021, it was expected that Flair would manage his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo, but those plans were scrapped after the Dark Side of the Ring episode, documenting the Plane Ride from Hell.

Speaking about the infamous 2002 flight, Flair has denied all allegations of forcing a female flight attendant to touch his genitals.

Ric Flair Clarifies Recent Comments About Royal Rumble & RAW XXX Appearances

Survivor Series WarGames Broke Several Records for WWE

Thomas Lowson
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0

The WarGames format for WWE’s annual Survivor Series Premium Live Event may be here to stay after the success of this year’s show.

Last weekend, WWE held its 36th Survivor Series event, which for the third time ever featured no traditional elimination tag team matches (after 1998 and 2002.)

Instead, fans saw two WarGames matches, with Team Bianca winning the opener and The Bloodline standing tall in the main event.

Record Breaker

In an internal memo obtained by Fightful Select, WWE highlighted many records that Survivor Series WarGames has shattered.

The memo says that this was the most-viewed Survivor Series on record, jumping 46% vs. 2021’s edition of the show.

Merchandise sales were also the best in the event’s history, up 20% from last year’s Survivor Series. 

The live gate was the highest, both for a Survivor Series and for any WWE event in Boston, an accolade Triple H referenced at the post-show press conference.

Fan enjoyment rating popped 48% vs. last year though it is unclear how exactly this metric is measured.

Social media video views were up year over year, with the TikTok of Roman Reigns sending Sami Zayn into the match garnering 13 million views alone.

The Future

There has been speculation that this year’s Survivor Series marked the end of the traditional elimination match, in favor of WarGames.

Speaking at the post-show press conference, Triple H said that “sometimes stuff needs a break for a while,” adding that it wasn’t solely his decision.

The WWE Head of Creative and Talent downplayed the idea that the iconic tag match is finished, adding “I don’t think we’re done with anything.”

Roman Reigns Angry at WWE Superstar After Survivor Series (Report)

MJF Sends Warning After Brutal Attack on AEW Dynamite

Robert Lentini
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0

William Regal made his way to the ring tonight on AEW Dynamite to a chorus of boos from the crowd in Indianapolis tonight.

He only was able to head to the ring because Jon Moxley was escorted out of the arena minutes prior. Moxley kicked off this week’s Dynamite but was interrupted by Hangman Page.

Hangman was making his return after suffering a concussion in a recent title match against Moxley before he dropped the belt to MJF at AEW Full Gear. Hangman Page and Jon Moxley traded punches before security broke it up. The brawl continued later on the show backstage and the two were taken out of the arena.

William introduced new AEW World Champion MJF and he got a great reaction from the crowd. Maxwell claimed that he was above the title because it reminded him of the men who have held it before.

He introduced a new title and referred to it as “BBB” (Big Burberry Belt). MJF said he is going to use the title as a bargaining chip in the bidding war of 2024, and he hopes the right Khan pays up, and he wasn’t talking about Tony.

  • 5 Opponents for AEW World Champion MJF

Before the end of his promo, MJF pulled out the brass knuckles William Regal slid him at the end of the main event of Full Gear. MJF said Regal was a genius and noted a recent email William sent him.

The email was Regal offering MJF to become a better villain and suggesting that he use brass knuckles instead of the Dynamite Diamond Ring against Jon Moxley. Maxwell then punched Regal in the back of the head with the brass knuckles and quoted Regal’s email from seven years ago to him. MJF told Regal to “send him his stuff” down the line because right now he’s only hiring world-class athletes.

Bryan Danielson rushed the ring but MJF had already made his escape. MJF made multiple references to Danielson during the promo tonight. He referred to the crowd as “fickle” and Daniel Bryan introduced a new belt as the “Planet’s Champion” in WWE.

After he attacked William Regal with the brass knuckles, MJF took to Twitter and sent out a warning that his reign of terror has just begun.

The Reign of Terror has just begun.

MJF’s first title defense is set for Dynamite: Winter is Coming on December 14th. Ricky Starks will challenge for the title. Starks cut a backstage promo tonight and said he’s coming for everything MJF has and vowed to win the Battle Royal for the Dynamite Diamond Ring next week on Dynamite. Starks defeated Ari Daivari tonight in a singles match.

AEW Dynamite Results, Takeaways (11/30/22): MJF Speaks, Death Triangle vs. The Elite, Hangman Page

Title Match Set for ROH Final Battle

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Another title match was set for Ring of Honor Final Battle during tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

ROH Final Battle will be held at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on December 10th. The show has a special start time at 4 PM. NXT Deadline will air later on the same night from the Capitol Wrestling Center (WWE PC) in Orlando.

During tonight’s episode of Dynamite, Renee Paquette interviewed Jericho Appreciation Society’s Matt Menard, Angelo Parker, Jake Hager, and ROH Pure Champion Garcia, as well as Blackpool Combat Club’s Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta in a backstage segment.

Claudio Castagnoli said he was going to prove that he can win the big one and defeat Chris Jericho for the ROH Championship at Final Battle on December 10th. Jake Hager claimed Castagnoli is a sports entertainer at heart and tried to get him to wear his patented giant purple hat.

Castagnoli stormed off out of frustration as Daniel Garcia laughed and claimed the Blackpool Combat Club is falling apart. Wheeler Yuta then went on a rant about Garcia and challenged him to a match for the ROH Pure Championship at Final Battle.

ROH TV & TNT Champion Samoa Joe also cut a promo tonight and referred to himself as “the King of Television”. Wardlow interrupted and said he’s coming after the TNT Championship. It will be interesting to see if Joe defends the the title at the upcoming PPV or possibly at Winter is Coming on December 14th.

A vignette for Powerhouse Hobbs was immediately shown after the Wardlow and Samoa Joe promo. Joe defeated Hobbs and Wardlow in a Triple Threat match at Full Gear to capture the TNT Championship.

Update ROH Final Battle 2022 card

  • ROH Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. Claudio Castagnoli
  • ROH Pure Championship: Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Wheeler Yuta

MJF’s Reign of Terror Begins with New ‘BBB’ AEW World Title

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MJF came out to address the crowd and was introduced by William Regal. In the ring was a platform with something covered by a black cloth, which was very obviously a new title.

While talking about what he was better than, the champion said he was better than current title. After becoming champion, he promised himself there would be changes. He said looking at the title around his waist makes him “want to gag in his mouth.” The current title “is tacky and lacks class, and even worse, it reminds me of all of the men who have held it previously.”

Regal revealed the newly redesigned AEW World Championship that has a Burberry pattern on the straps. The champion said the belt is called the “Triple-B, the Big Burberry Belt.”

MJF’s Reign of Terror Has Begun

MJF warned everyone that his “reign of terror has begun”. He began to return Regal’s brass knucks to him as he thanked him for his help. He walked up behind Regal and hit him with his own brass knucks.

The champion left Regal laid out in the ring while Danielson came down to check on his mentor. No one else from Blackpool Combat Club came to check on Regal. Regal was stretchered to an ambulance.

Ruby Soho Makes AEW Return in Hometown

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Tay Melo accompanied Anna Jay A.S. to the ring for her match with Willow Nightingale. At one point, Melo was knocked off the apron.

After Nightingale picked up with win, Melo was in the ring, facing the ramp when Ruby Soho made her return by sliding into the ring from behind. A newly green-and-black-haired Soho had receipts for the broken nose she received from Melo. She rained down blows on her and pushed Jay off the apron. Melo punched Soho in her jaw.

On the outside, Soho headbutted Melo before hitting Destination Unknown on the ramp.

Ruby Soho Underwent Surgery

Ruby Soho
Ruby Soho

Soho’s injury occurred in September when she was teaming with Ortiz against Melo and Sammy Guevara on Zero Hour. Her nose was broken by a knee to the face from Melo.

In October, Soho underwent reconstructive surgery because her nose was broken in two places and her “septum was a mess.” She tweeted that a month after ALL OUT, “the countdown begins until I can breathe again.”

Soho returned to her hometown on the same night as Hangman Page.

Hangman Page Returns to AEW, Brawls with Jon Moxley

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AEW Dynamite opened with Jon Moxley, who still hasn’t gotten his six week vacation, addressing the crowd. He talked about how he used to wrestle in Indianapolis early in his career.

He declared, “There are three constants: Death. Taxes. And Jon Moxley. There is nobody that can out work me, out hustle me, out wrestle me, out fight me, out bleed me, or out sweat me. Nothing has changed since Day One. Here at AEW, I am at the top of the food chain. I do what I want, I say what I want. This ring belongs to me. And you can bet your ass there is not a man in that locker room, there’s not a man in this building, there’s not a man in a 100-mile radius that has the balls to come out here, look me in the eyes and tell me any different.”

*cue “Ghost Town Triumph”*

Page strutted straight to the former AEW World Champion and went nose-to-nose with him. Mox asked, “are you sure you want to do this after what happened last time? Oh, I’m sorry. Do you not remember?” Page replied by punching Moxley. Mox attempted to run away, but Page caught him with more punches. The two battled up to the ramp while Excalibur yelled that he doesn’t know if Hangman is cleared and if he is, it happened last minute.

The two had to be held back from each other. Mox ran at the “Anxious Millennial Cowboy”, but ended up falling off the ramp.

The two fought again backstage with refs and security attempting to break them apart.

Page had been out of action since October when he suffered a concussion in the main event of Dynamite when facing Moxley for the AEW World Championship. He missed Full Gear as well.

AEW Dynamite Results, Takeaways (11/30/22): MJF Speaks, Death Triangle vs. The Elite, Hangman Page

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AEW Dynamite airs live from the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis, Indiana tonight. AEW World Champion MJF will make his first appearance since winning the title at AEW Full Gear on November 19th. In addition to the takeaways below, it was announced Orange Cassidy will defend the All-Atlantic Championship against QT Marshall this Friday on AEW Rampage.

  • 11 Best Moments from AEW Full Gear 2022

AEW Dynamite Results (11/28/22)

  • Bryan Danielson def. Dax Harwood via submission
  • Samoa Joe def. AR Fox to retain the TNT Championship
  • Ricky Starks def. Ari Daivari
  • Willow Nightingale def. Anna Jay
  • The Elite def. Death Triangle in Match 3 of the Best of 7 Series

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Hangman Page Returned & Confronted Jon Moxley

Former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley made his way to the ring to kick off this week’s episode of Dynamite. The crowd loudly chanted his name and Jon said he first started wrestling at the old salvation army gym in Indianapolis. He stated that there are three constants in life, death, taxes, and Jon Moxley.

Moxley added that nothing has changed and he is at the top of the food chain. Jon claimed that the AEW ring belongs to him and that there isn’t a man within 100 miles to come out ot the ring and tell him any different.

Hangman Adam Page returned and marched to the ring with Moxley. Jon was the man who put Hangman out of action during their title match. Jon wondered if Hangman really wanted to do this after what happened last time. Moxley joked “do you not remember what happened?” and Hangman attacked Jon. Hangman and Moxley brawled outside the ring until the officials separated them. The brawl then continued backstage following the Danielson and Harwood match.

Bryan Danielson Tapped Out Dax Harwood

Dax Harwood battled Bryan Danielson in a singles match tonight on AEW Dynamite. The crowd chanted “this is awesome!” before the two even locked up. Danielson sent Dax to the corner and hit him with a series of chops.

Bryan knocked Harwood to the outside and hit him with a dive through the ropes. Harwood went tumbling over the barricade and into the crowd as the match continued. Dax and Danielson traded punches as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Harwood planted Danielson with a Piledriver in the middle of the ring but Bryan kicked out. Dax went for a Flying Headbutt off the top rope but Danielson dodged it. Bryan connected with a knee strike off the ring apron and both men fell to the floor.

Back in the ring, Bryan climbed to the top turnbuckle but Dax hit him with a jab to the face. Danielson tripped Harwood up and perched him on the top turnbuckle. Danielson unloaded elbow strikes and went for a Superplex. Harwood countered into a Crossbody in midair and went for the cover but Bryan kicked out at two.

Danielson and Harwood traded Clotheslines and punches but neither would go down as the crowd cheered. Dax went for a Slingshot Powerbomb but Danielson blocked it. Bryan hit an Enziguri but Harwood kicked out at two. Danielson went for the Running Knee but Harwood countered into a Slingshot Powerbomb for a two count.

Harwood applied the Sharpshooter on Danielson in the middle of the ring but the American Dragon reached the ropes to break the hold. Harwood and Danielson traded multiple cradle attempts before Bryan got the LeBell Lock applied for the submission victory. After the match, Harwood and Danielson shared a hug as the crowd cheered. Danielson posed on the turnbuckle after the match.

Ricky Starks Wants Everything MJF Has

Tony Schiavone interviewed Ricky Starks backstage ahead of his title match at AEW Dynamite Winter is Coming. Ricky announced that he will be in the Battle Royal next week for the Dynamite Diamond Ring. Starks said he is coming for everything MJF has and will prove that he is “absolute” at Winter is Coming.

ROH Pure Championship Match set for Final Battle

JAS and Claudio Castagnoli, Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta were interviewed by Renee Paquette backstage. Claudio vowed to win the title and Wheeler Yuta challenged Daniel Garcia for the ROH Pure Championship at Final Battle.

Samoa Joe def. AR Fox to Retain the TNT Championship

Samoa Joe defended the TNT Championship against AR Fox tonight on Dynamite. Joe beat the hell out of fox to start off the action and mocked the crowd for cheering for him. Fox went for a flip but Joe got out of the way and poked fun at him. AR Fox connected with a big boot but that just pissed off the champion. Samoa Joe hit a Senton as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, the champ connected with a Backbreaker for a near fall. Fox battled back with a Tornado DDT and some kicks to Joe’s face. AR hit a Cutter and then a 450 Splash for a near fall. AR went for a Swanton but Joe casually got out of the way. Joe followed it up with a massive shoulder tackle and then the Muscle Buster for the pinfall victory to retain the TNT Championship.

After the match, Samoa Joe welcomed everyone to a new and glorious era. Joe referred to himself as “the King of Television” before he was interrupted by Wardlow. The former TNT Champion warned Samoa Joe that he was coming after him and that this is “Wardlow’s World”.

MJF Hit William Regal with the Brass Knuckles

William Regal made his way down the entrance ramp after Jon Moxley was removed from the arena. Regal introduced new AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman. MJF shared a hug with Regal as the crowd booed. Maxwell demanded the crowd keep their hillbilly mouth’s shut when the best wrestler has the microphone.

MJF read an email William Regal after The Firm attacked him. Regal’s email said that he saw the potential in MJF to become the greatest villain of all time and said he must grab the brass ring instead of the Dynamite Diamond Ring this time.

Maxwell said William Regal wanted MJF to leave Jon Moxley an emotional scar so he will never forget the day Maxwell outsmarted him. MJF brought up The Firm and claimed that he doesn’t hold any resentment. Maxwell said he’s above that and claimed that he’s above the AEW World Championship as well.

MJF stated that he kind of wants to gag in his mouth whenever he looks at the title. Friedman added that the belt is tacky and reminds him of the men who held the title previously. Maxwell said the men are all talented but none of them are on his level.

Friedman threw the title to the floor and Regal presented a new AEW World Championship, the “Triple B” (the big Burberry belt). MJF called Eddie Kingston a “fake tough guy” and the crowd chanted for him. Maxwell claimed Kingston will never be World Champion.

Max brought up Ricky Starks and called him a “fake star”. Friedman claimed Bryan Danielson was “the middest of the mid” and claimed Bryan couldn’t wrestle his way out of a paper bag in comparison to him. MJF stated that he is going to be AEW World Champion all the way until the bidding war of 2024.

Friedman said he will use the championship as a bargaining chip and will make more money in a day than any of the “hicks” in the crowd. MJF once again brought up Nick Khan and Triple H. He said he hopes they sign him in WWE before suggesting Hollywood may win the bidding war because he’s tired of looking at wrestling fans.

MJF claimed that the fans’ happiness will soon turn to resentment because they are fickle. Maxwell added that his haters will be tuning in every week. MJF said he’s a special attraction, so Triple B will be defended very rarely and fans will have to reach into their pockets to buy a PPV.

Maxwell stated he’s going to have a title reign that will make Bruno Sammartino roll in his “shitty little grave”. Friedman added that his reign of terror has just begun. He thanked Regal for giving him the brass knuckles and then punched him in the back of the head.

MJF then told Regal “MJF only hires world-class athletes” as a reference to the email Regal sent him seven years ago. The champion added that Regal is the one who has a lot to learn because he made a deal with the devil. Bryan Danielson rushed the ring to check on Regal as he was loaded onto a stretcher.

Ricky Starks Picked Up A Win

Ricky Starks faced Ari Daivari tonight on Dynamite. Ethan Page, Stokely Hathaway, and MAtt Hardy interrupted. Page vowed to whoop Starks’ ass after MJF does at Winter is Coming. Daivari hit a Dropkick but Starks shrugged it off. Ricky connected with the Roshambo with the quick pinfall victory as Page and Starks watched on in anger on the entrance ramp.

Willow Nightingale def. Anna Jay, Ruby Soho Returned

Willow Nightingale squared off against Anna Jay tonight on Dynamite. Tay Melo accompanied Anna to the ring for the match. Nightingale connected with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Back Drop in the middle of the ring. Willow hit a Crossbody and went for the cover but Anna Jay kicked out at two. Anna battled back with a Splash and climbed to the middle turnbuckle. Jay hit a Clothesline for a two count as Dynamite went to a break.

When Dynamite returned, Nightingale sent Anna to the corner and hit a Splash. Willow followed it up with a big boot and a Spinebuster for a near fall. Anna connected with a slam but Nightingale kicked out at two. Willow knocked Tay off the apron and leveled Anna with a Clothesline. Nightingale hit the Doctor Bomb for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Ruby Soho returned to a big pop and attacked Tay Melo. Tay broke Ruby’s nose and she missed time to get surgery. Soho headbutted Tay before hitting Destination Unknown on Melo on the entrance ramp.

Bow Wow Interrupted the Jade Cargill TBS Championship Celebration

Jade Cargill came to the ring with the Baddies for the TBS Championship. Cargill stated that she made the Baddies and she says who stays and who goes. Bow Wow interrupted on the jumbotron and said he’ll have “something” for Jade when he shows up in AEW.

The Elite Won the Trios Championships in Match 3 of the Best of 7 Series

Death Triangle defended the Trios Championships against The Elite in Match 3 of the Best of 7 Series. The Elite and Death Triangle brawled to start off the action. Kenny went for the V-Trigger but Pac countered it. Lucha Bros then hit Young Bucks with Cutters on the entrance ramp as Dynamite went to a break.

When Dynamite returned, the Young Bucks Powerbombed Pac and Rey Fenix on the ring apron. Pentagon Jr. battled back with a series of Backbreakers and fired up the crowd. Back in the ring, Young Bucks isolated Penta and hit a couple of Superkicks.

Omega hit Penta with a Powerbomb and went for the cover but Pac broke it up at two. Young Bucks accidentally booted Omega in the face and Penta capitalized. Death Triangle flipped onto The Elite outside the ring. Back in the ring, Pentagon Jr. hit a Piledriver for a near fall.

Matt hit Penta with a Northern Lights Suplex in the middle of the ring. He delivered one to both Lucha Bros at the same time and fired up the crowd. Pac leveled Matt with a Superkick and battled with Kenny in the corner. Pac hit the Black Arrow and went for the cover but Omega kicked out at two as Dynamite went to the final break of the night.

Back from the commercial, Pac planted Omega with a German Suplex but Kenny responded with a Clothesline. Fenix and Nick Jackson tagged in and traded Clotheslines. Nick hit a Superkick and followed it up with a Cutter for a near fall. Young Bucks set up for a Meltzer Driver but Fenix escaped. Young Bucks hit him with a series of Splashes and went for the cover but Penta broke it up at two.

Omega unloaded strikes on Penta but turned around into a Cutter from Rey Fenix. Penta hit a Piledriver as Rey hit a Crossbody on Kenny and Nick. Penta followed it up with a Splash outside the ring. Pac hit Matt with a Brainbuster for a near fall. Pac climbed to the top turnbuckle and went for the Black Arrow but Matt got out of the way. Matt rolled Pac up for the pinfall victory. Death Triangle now leads 2-1 in the Best of 7 Series. Match 4 will take place December 14th at Dynamite: Winter is Coming.

Zelina Vega Challenges a Member of The Bloodline & Mocks Ronda Rousey

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Legado Del Fantasma appeared on WWE’s The Bump earlier today. Santos Escobar will be facing Ricochet this Friday night in the finals of the SmackDown World Cup.

The winner of the tournament will go on to challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship. Ricochet advanced to the finals of the tournament last week after Gunther and Imperium distracted Braun Strowman. The distraction allowed Ricochet to roll-up the Monster of All Monsters for the pinfall victory.

Ricochet on Earning Braun Strowman’s Respect During Their SmackDown World Cup Match

Zelina Vega Challenges Paul Heyman

Legado Del Fantasma was asked about The Bloodline during their appearance on the show. Joaquin Wilde said of course they want to be the ones that dethrone The Usos and The Bloodline.

Zelina Vega then took a shot at The Wiseman Paul Heyman and claimed she was at a higher level than him.

“Yeah, I mean, I can see me going up against Paul Heyman,” said Vega. “Paul already knows that I’m not only on his level but higher. I’m pretty sure when it comes to The Bloodline, like I said, give it time because I have my eyes on Paul. Hey Paul.” [From 51:16 to 51:34]

Vega also poked fun at SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey during her appearance on WWE The Bump.

“I think Ronda is difficult to beat overall as a human,” said Vega. “I’m not stupid to that. But you also have to find where is the kink in her armor and I found it. Oh yeah, I found it but it took a lot of research. But listen, again, she’s dominant.

There is nothing that she can’t do. But when it comes to brains, and again I’ve said this before. She has the brawn but I’m not so sure she has the brains, and definitely not to my extent. So, I kind of did find the kink in her armor. And when I’m ready to expose that, I hope she is too.” [53:32 54:08]

H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

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